As you probably know, you can take several options in a game of blackjack. These include hit, double down, split, stand, surrender and take insurance. Whenever you wish to ask for an additional card, you need to select “hit”.
The ability to hit and the ability to stand are the two most common power tools that you will use at the blackjack table. Blackjack veterans claim that hitting or standing are the last things you should consider, after previously having evaluated that you won’t surrender, split or double down. Below we’ll explain how to take another card in blackjack.
How it Works?
As mentioned, when the two initial cards are dealt, all blackjack players have multiple options to choose from. They can choose hit, double down, split, stand, surrender and take insurance.
When one picks hit, this means the player is asking for a new card. This further implies that the player believes to be able to improve his hand total with another card because his current hand total is not even close to 21.
Know When Hit is Available
As long as you haven’t folded your hand (used surrender) or used the doubling down option and your hand has a value less than 21, you’ll have the option to request an extra card. In theory, a hand can hit as many times as the holder wants, as long as it doesn’t bust.
How to Hit?
When you wish to hit, you need to give the instruction to the dealer to draw an extra card for you. A verbal indication or a tap on the table with your index finger should suffice whenever you are at a land-based blackjack table.
If you’re playing online blackjack, then just look for the button that says “Hit” and click on it (or tap it if you’re playing on a smartphone or a tablet). The additional card will be automatically dealt and included in your hand.
When to Hit?
The dealer’s up card is what has the biggest influence on the decision to hit or not. Of course, the player’s hand total is also a crucial factor. According to basic blackjack strategy bettors should hit when the dealer’s face-up card is 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace and their hand totals 8 or 12 through 16.
Another common advice is to hit on soft 17s. If the dealer’s up card is an Ace and your hand totals 11, hit. More tips are included in blackjack strategy charts.
